Parents of missing infant Emmanuel Haro called upon to assist in urgent search: ‘you will be safe’

Search Intensifies for Missing California Infant

The parents of a seven-month-old boy from California, who has been missing for nearly a week, are facing increasing public scrutiny as authorities urge them to re-engage in the search efforts.

Rebecca and Jake Halo halted their cooperation with investigators following a statement from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office on August 14, which pointed out a “contradiction” in their son’s disappearance outside a sporting goods store.

As the investigation expanded to include their home in Cabazon, Jake was seen holding Vincent Hughes, a defense attorney who has represented him in past child abuse cases since 2018, while officers brought in cadaver dogs on Wednesday.

Hughes claimed in a statement that his client is still actively participating in the investigation. He said, “The parents are seeking answers about their son, Emmanuel Halo, who reportedly went missing on August 14 in Yucaipa. Jake Halo is fully cooperating with law enforcement.”

However, the sheriff’s office made a statement that seemed to contradict Hughes’s remarks, saying, “We welcome any cooperation from the parents in our efforts to find Emmanuel.”

Hughes did not respond to requests for further comments.

In addition to law enforcement, a non-profit group, the Uvalde Foundation for Kids, has urged the couple to take part in the search. Initially, they had offered a $5,000 reward for Emmanuel’s safe return but withdrew it as suspicions grew regarding the case.

“Please join the search. You will be protected. You can change the trajectory of this case. If you have nothing to hide, then step forward,” the foundation wrote on social media.

The foundation has yet to respond to emails seeking clarification.

The situation escalated when Rebecca reported the alleged lure that led to her son’s disappearance. Just two days later, the sheriff’s department publicly announced they could not “eliminate foul play” from their inquiries.

Currently, the sheriff has stated that finding Emmanuel remains their top priority.

Authorities have described Emmanuel as wearing a black Nike onesie, weighing about 21 pounds, and measuring approximately 24 inches tall, with brown hair and brown eyes.